How to Hang a Window Scarf Using Swag Holders

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The beauty of a hanging window scarf is its simplicity. Strategically folded, draped and arranged, this type of swag can add interest to any room. While scarf swags made of luxurious fabric can dress up a formal sitting room, cotton swags in stripes or plaids can accentuate any window in a country-style kitchen. One technique for hanging scarf swags is to use a swag hook. Most do-it-yourself homemakers can tackle this project with confidence. All you need are a few basic tools, accurate measurements and an eye for styling.

1

Evaluate the window and determine the best location for the swag hooks. Depending on the look you are trying to achieve, this may be at the top corners of the window frame or on the wall above and to the outside of the window frame.

2

Fit the wood screw inserts into the hooks when you are installing the hooks directly into the wood window casing. If you plan to install the hooks into drywall, skip to Step 3. Stand on a stepladder and drill small pilot holes into the corners of the frame at the desired location. Turn the swag hooks by hand until they are snug against the frame.

3

Attach the threaded rod into the hooks and then screw the toggle wings onto the rods. The wings should close toward the hook. Drill holes into the wall at the desired locations. Make them large enough to slide the toggle wings through. Pinch the wings and slide the ends through each hole. Turn the hooks until they are snug against the wall.

4

Drape a length of cord over each hook. Pull down the cord between the hooks to the desired amount of swoop you want in the scarf swag. Decide the length of the tails. The tails hang down on each side of the window. The tails do not have to be equal in length; they can be asymmetrical.

5

Mark the cord at the desired length for each tail with a marker. Measure from the marks to the hook with a tape measure. Record the tail measurements. Remove the cord and take a measurement from one mark to the other. This is the total length of the window scarf. Purchase a scarf swag as close to this measurement as possible.

6

Lay the scarf on the floor, right side up. Fold the fabric lengthwise like an accordion. Make the width of the pleats 7 to 8 inches and as equal as possible.

7

Measure from the right end of the scarf the length for the right tail. Take a safety pin and pin the bottom edges of the pleats together at this measurement. Repeat the process for the left tail.

8

Flip the pleated scarf over so the pins are facing away from you. Slide your hands under the scarf at each pin. Step up on your step ladder and drape the scarf over the hooks at each pin. The backside of the scarf and the pins should be facing the away from you.

9

Pull down the center of the scarf and adjust the pleats to your liking. Once you have the desired look, take a safety pin and pin the fabric together around the each hook to keep the scarf in place. Place the pins in between a few pleats to keep them out of sight.